By Sophie Molly
Cis allies made up nearly two-thirds of the counter-protest to the Let Women Speak (LWS) rally in Aberdeen. The rally was led by notorious anti-trans commentator Kellie-Jay Keen (KJK) and took place outside Marischal College in the city center.
The LWS crowd consisted primarily of members of Women Won’t Wheesht (WWW), a Scottish activist group whose name comes from the Scots word for “quiet.” WWW and LWS share closely aligned transphobic goals, advocating for the removal of trans and non-binary people from public life.
Others in attendance included members of the Alba Party, anti-trans individuals from LGB organizations, and KJK herself—around 50 people in total. The group was largely composed of older individuals, predominantly white.
In contrast, the counter-protest was an ethnically diverse mix of cis, trans, and non-binary people of all ages. Support and solidarity came from various organizations, including the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) Aberdeen, the Socialist Workers Party, the Fire Brigades Union, and the Scottish Green Party. Around 200 people participated in total.
Green Party MSP Maggie Chapman remarked on BlueSky: “Great to celebrate International Women’s Day in Aberdeen today with a wonderfully diverse & inclusive crowd.”
KJK and her followers were drowned out by a wall of noise from the counter-protest. Drums banged, sirens wailed, music blasted, and chants rang out across Marischal Square. Protesters chanted slogans such as “There’s more of us than you,” “Trans rights are women’s rights,” and “This is what solidarity looks like.”
A disproportionately large Police Scotland presence separated the groups. Alba Party members and others shouted transphobic slurs at the counter-protesters, attempting to provoke a reaction. However, the counter-protesters remained peaceful and united.
After about two and a half hours, KJK and her followers exited Marischal Square to the sound of a loud and mocking farewell chant set to the melody of Seven Nation Army. Her crowd quickly dispersed, followed by cheers and applause from the jubilant counter-protest.
KJK arrived in Aberdeen hoping to spread her anti-trans message but was instead met with a city that refused to tolerate hate and bigotry. Aberdeen demonstrated a powerful show of solidarity with its trans community, embracing unity and pride. A banner placed on the plinth of a statue of Robert Burns summed up the day’s message: “To ALL women in Aberdeen: Happy International Women’s Day!”
About the Author
Sophie Molly is a dedicated political activist and intersectional feminist committed to advancing policies that promote inclusivity and equality. Sophie’s work emphasizes the importance of recognizing interconnected forms of oppression and advocating for comprehensive solutions that benefit all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
RELATED: International Women’s Day in Aberdeen Marred by Anti-Trans Rally
